Thinking of building a granny flat? Now’s the time to do it. With property prices so high, they’re a great way to make some extra cash or save some, depending on what you want to use it for. If you take a look at sites like Airbnb, you’ll find the humble granny flat is a popular alternative to renting a hotel. In some states, you might even see the odd granny flat listed on online real estate portals for eager long-term tenants.

While granny flats are also a great way to provide housing for dependant family, like an elderly parent or a teenager, or in more and more cases – first home buyers who want to leave the family nest but still need to save for a real deposit. They’re even perfect for creating a quiet and private space away from the main home. Popular uses for backyard granny flats include detached studios, retreats, and home offices.

Are you looking to design the perfect granny flat? Check out our step-by-step guide below.

1.  Choosing granny flat designs

Granny flats come in all shapes and sizes, so before you choose just any old design, you should think about what the space will be used for. Is it a retreat or self-contained accommodation for a loved one?

Since they don’t come cheap, it’s important to do your research. From custom-built designs through to prefabricated, flat-pack, transportable and even converted shipping containers, there are plenty of options on the table. Some homeowners even convert detached garages into granny flats.

2. Building a granny flat

When it comes to building a granny flat, there’s research to be done. Laws and regulations vary from state to state, and even down to the LGA level, so we’d encourage anyone looking to build a granny flat to seek information from their local council.

At a minimum, you’ll want to find out if any land size restrictions could prevent you from building a granny flat and whether you’ll be lumped with a ‘contribution fee’, which some councils may charge. When it comes to lodging a DA, a licensed builder should be able to handle that for you.

In Australia, granny flats are generally defined as second dwellings, so legally they’re often required to have their own entrance, bathroom, cooking area and living area. They’re also bound by the Building Code of Australia, so must adhere to relevant Australian Standards.

3. The trades you’ll need

Building a granny flat or overhauling an existing one? There are a few trades you might need. If you’re having granny flat plans designed, you may need a drafter. If you’re going down the prefab route, a builder will suffice. You may also need a painter, plumber, and electrician for more complex designs.

4. How much does a granny flat cost?

Granny flat costs depend on the design and size of the structure. As a guide, they can cost anywhere from $10,000 through to $150,000. Many factors can influence the cost of a granny flat, including things like:

• Electrical outlets
• Kitchen and bathroom designs, including fittings
• Whether you choose low-end or high-end materials
• If you opt for a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom granny flat
• The exterior – whether it’s brick, cement sheeting, weatherboard or cladding
• The type of flooring you choose
• How many tradespeople you need to hire

5. Interior design tips for granny flats

When it comes to granny flat interior design, it’s important to be savvy in order to make the space appear larger. One of the best ways to do this is to cut the clutter with well-thought-out storage. You can do this through shelving, underbed storage, built-in wardrobes, hooks and racks, as well as thinking about space vertically.

You can also create the illusion of space by using light neutral colours on walls, as well as installing mirrors and light-reflective surfaces.

Time to get started

Now that you have a clear idea of what’s involved in building your own granny flat, it’s time to talk to a builder. With property prices so high, granny flats have been making a big comeback, so there are plenty of builders who now specialise in this kind of project. Click through to find granny flat builders in your local area.